If it is a nice quilt I worry that the spray will turn tan or brown in the future ( or in the dryer ) over time.
Curiously, I find that basting with long stitches is faster and easier than pinning - try it on a little project first. JP

I pin. I don't want to add additional chemicals to the quilt.

I spray. It works for me.

I use spray so much easier-

I love the spray, but what my LQS lady told me about doing it very lightly is so true. No gumming up your needle worries. The smell is awful. I'm lucky in that I can put the quilt out in the sun room, open both sliding doors to the outside and then spray. Nothing gets in the house and no chance of flammable fumes. The project I'm working on now hasn't moved a bit and has been a dream to quilt.

I agree with an earlier response, its what you prefer. I just started spray basting and I love it. I use the 505 spray and taping to the wall method which has been saving my knees. I followed the advice of a little goes a long way. Haven't done any big projects but it has been working for the smaller ones. Did my FMQ and did not have any needle problems.

I always pin baste but I'm really cheap. LOL* I'd rather just use reusable pins than spending extra to spray baste...however I know a lot of people who swear by spray basting. I agree with those who said do what you want and what works for you. Try it. If you don't like the combo then next time try something else. ;)

I will never pin again - but ONLY use 505. It is amazing.

do you have a long armer, close that might baste it for you?
It really made a difference on one of my larger quilts, and was not too expensive, and it sure cuts the time you need to pin or hand baste. Just be sure that your backing is about 6-8 inches larger than the quilt and the batting larger too.

I have tried basting spray twice and I won't use it again for quilting a quilt. I can't understand why others have success with this because it didn't hold well for me at all and these were just crib quilts. I've stuck my can into my garage sale box - maybe someone else will have better luck with it. It didn't even work well for me for applique. The movement would weaken the bond and it was just horrible.

Maybe some brands are better than others. I'm sure one of these pro-basting ladies will share their secret. ;)

I used 505. Is there something better?

I always use basting spray, but on a quilt that size, I would also use pins about every 12" just to be safe.

505 is considered the best.

What brand was it? Basting spray is not normally used for applique, as far as I know.

I don't know. Lol* Well you know what? I'm tempted to go buy some today just to try it out. Then at least I can say I know a little about basting spray.

What do you currently use for your applique? Are you a needle turner, fusible, or fusible turner?

I am a beginning appliquer and using needleturn. I have a BOM that is fusible, so that will be my introduction. Just can't get to it this month.

The 505 was what was recommended if you are machine appliqueing and don't want to use fusibles. It works fine if your applique is only one or two pieces. As you move the fabric around, it just won't stay attached if you have more pieces.

Usually it is easier to sew all the pieces of the applique together into a unit - like a sunbonnet Sue, a frog or teddy bear- even a flower blossom and then machine stitch that into place. JP

Ahhh I see. What about using a fabric glue stick as an alternative since the basting spray didn't work out for you? Good luck with your applique! :)

I spray, then pin, then iron to smooth out ALL the wrinkles top and bottom. I know it is time consuming but my quilts lay flat and don't bunch up.